SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
Devices, methods, and systems for semiconductor processing are described herein. A number of method embodiments of semiconductor processing can include forming a silicon layer on a structure, forming an opening through the silicon layer and into the structure, and selectively forming a resistance variable material in the opening such that the resistance variable material does not form on the silicon layer.
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The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor memory devices, methods, and systems, and more particularly, to devices, methods, and systems for semiconductor processing.
BACKGROUNDMemory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory, including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), flash memory, and resistance variable memory, among others.
Types of resistance variable memory include programmable conductor memory, phase change random access memory (PCRAM), and resistive random access memory (RRAM), among others. A physical layout of a PCRAM memory device may resemble that of a DRAM device, with the capacitor of the DRAM cell being replaced by a phase change material, such as Germanium-Antimony-Telluride (GST). A physical layout of an RRAM memory device may include memory cells including a variable resistor thin film, e.g., a colossal magnetoresistive material, which may be connected to an access device, such as a diode, a field effect transistor (FET), or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), for example.
The memory cell material of a PCRAM device, e.g., GST, may exist in an amorphous, higher resistance state, or a crystalline, lower resistance state. The resistance state of the PCRAM cell may be altered by applying sources of energy to the cell, such as current pulses or pulses of light, among other sources of energy. For example, the resistance state of the PCRAM cell may be altered by heating the cell with a programming current. This results in the PCRAM cell being programmed to a particular resistance state, which may correspond to a data state. In a binary system, for example, the amorphous, higher resistance state may correspond to a data state of 1, and the crystalline, lower resistance state may correspond to a data state of 0. However, the choice of these corresponding data states may be reversed, that is, in other binary systems, the amorphous, higher resistance state may correspond to a data state of 0, and the crystalline, lower resistance state may correspond to a data state of 1. The resistance state of an RRAM cell, e.g., the variable resistor thin film, may be increased and/or decreased by applying positive and/or negative electrical pulses across the film. This may result in the RRAM cell being programmed to a particular resistance state.
Methods for processing, e.g., fabricating, memory, such as resistance variable memory, may include chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD), among others. CVD may include mixing a number of reactants in a chamber to form a material, e.g., a resistance variable material, which subsequently deposits across exposed surfaces of a number of semiconductor structures and/or substrates. ALD may include forming thin films of material by repeatedly depositing monoatomic layers in a chamber. For example, ALD may include individually depositing a number of reactants, e.g., precursors, that react in situ to form a desired film of material, e.g., resistance variable material, across a number of semiconductor structures and/or substrates.
More specifically, ALD may include introducing a first reactant in a chamber, which reacts with a number of structures and/or substrates to form a self limiting layer across the structures and/or substrates. After the layer is formed, the excess first reactant may be evacuated from the chamber, and a second reactant may be subsequently introduced in the chamber. The second reactant may react with the layer to convert the layer into a desired material, e.g., resistance variable material, layer over the structures and/or substrates.
Devices, methods, and systems for semiconductor processing are described herein. A number of method embodiments of semiconductor processing can include forming a silicon layer on a structure, forming an opening through the silicon layer and into the structure, and selectively forming a resistance variable material in the opening such that the resistance variable material does not form on the silicon layer.
In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how a number of embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the one or more embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, as will be appreciated, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.
As used herein, “a number of” something can refer to one or more such things. For example, a number of memory devices can refer to one or more memory devices.
In the embodiment illustrated in
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In the embodiment illustrated in
Opening 112 can have a width, e.g., a distance between the sidewalls, less than or equal to 35 nm. Further, opening 112 can have an aspect ratio, e.g., a ratio of the depth of the opening to the width of the opening, greater than or equal to 2:1. For example, opening 112 can have an aspect ratio of approximately 10:1. As used herein, an aspect ratio of approximately 10:1 can include aspect ratios within a range of 9:1 to 11:1. Such sidewall widths and/or aspect ratios can decrease the size, e.g., width of a semiconductor device, e.g., memory cell, which can increase the number of semiconductor devices, e.g., memory cells, which can be formed on a semiconductor wafer.
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Additionally, selectively forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112 can also include forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112 such that resistance variable material 122 covers the bottom of opening 112, e.g., surface 110 of electrode 108, and the portions of the sidewalls of opening 112 defined by surfaces 114 and 118 of structure 104. For example, selectively forming resistance variable material 122 can in opening 112 can include forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112 such that resistance variable material 122 does not cover the portions of the sidewalls of opening 112 defined by surfaces 116 and 120 of silicon layer 106, as shown in
Further, selectively forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112 can also include forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112 such that resistance variable material 122 fills the portion of opening 112 formed by the bottom of opening 112, e.g., surface 110 of electrode 108, and the portions of the sidewalls of opening 112 defined by surfaces 114 and 118 of structure 104, as shown in
Resistance variable material 122 can be selectively formed, e.g., selectively deposited, in opening 112 using a number of reactants, e.g., precursors, in a CVD and/or ALD process. In a number of embodiments, a Ge—Sb phase change material is selectively formed in opening 112 using an ALD process which includes sequential surface reactions of a germanium amidinate, or amine, and ammonia (NH3), and Sb(OR)3 and ammonia, wherein R is an alkyl. That is, the ALD process includes reacting a germanium amidinate, or amine with ammonia and reacting Sb(OR)3 with ammonia in a sequential, e.g., alternating, manner. The germanium amidinate can be, for example, an amidinate such as GeBAMDN (C22H46GeN4, e.g., bis(N,N′-diisopropyl-N-butylamidinate)germanium(II)). The amine can be, for example, Ge(NR2)4, wherein R is alkyl group. For example, the amine can be Ge(NCH3)4. Sb(OR)3 can be, for example, antimony III ethoxide (C6H15O3Sb, e.g., antimony ethylate.
Additionally, in a number of embodiments a Ge—Te phase change material is selectively formed in opening 112 using an ALD process which includes sequential surface reactions of germanium amidinate, or amine, and ammonia, and Te(OR)4 and ammonia, wherein R is an alkyl. That is, the ALD process includes reacting a germanium amidinate, or amine, with ammonia and reacting Te(OR)4 with ammonia in a sequential, e.g., alternating, manner. The germanium amidinate can be, for example, an amidinate such as GeBAMDN. The amine can be, for example, Ge(NR2)4, wherein R is alkyl group. For example, the amine can be Ge(NCH3)4. Te(OR)4 can be, for example, tetramethoxytelluride (Te(OCH3)4).
Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not so limited, and can include selectively forming resistance variable material 122 using other reactants, such as Sb and/or Te compounds in the methoxy, ethoxy, isopropyl, n, and tert butoxy groups. The reactants used in the CVD and/or ALD process can be delivered by a number of carrier gasses, such as N2, argon (Ar), and/or helium (He), as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
According to some previous approaches, a resistance variable material was formed, e.g., deposited, in an opening, e.g., cylindrical container, in a semiconductor substrate and/or structure using CVD or ALD. However, in such previous approaches, the CVD or ALD would also result in the resistance variable material being formed on the substrate and/or structure as a conformal layer in addition to being formed in the opening, e.g., the resistance variable material was not selectively formed in the opening. As such, previous approaches would employ an additional processing step to remove the resistance variable material from the substrate and/or structure, e.g., would employ a mask to pattern and remove the resistance variable material, so that the resistance variable material would be located exclusively in the opening. Methods of removing and/or patterning the resistance variable material according to such previous approaches would include chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), etching, and/or planarizing the resistance variable material. However, such methods may be performed in a different environment than the environment in which the CVD or ALD was performed, e.g., removal and/or patterning of the resistance variable material according to such previous approaches would involve removing the substrate and/or structure from the chamber in which the CVD or ALD was performed. Removing the substrate and/or structure from the CVD or ALD chamber can expose the resistance variable material to oxygen, e.g., can oxidize the resistance variable material, which can adversely affect the resistance variable material.
In contrast, according to a number of embodiments of the present disclosure, removal and/or patterning of resistance variable material 122 can be avoided by selectively forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112, e.g., forming resistance variable material 122 in opening 112 such that resistance variable material 122 does not form on silicon layer 116, in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, CMP, etching, and/or planarization of resistance variable material 122 is avoided because resistance variable material 122 is formed exclusively in opening 112. Further, because removal and/or patterning of resistance variable material 122 does not occur, removal of substrate 102 and/or structure 104 from the environment in which the selective formation of resistance variable material 122 occurs is avoided. Further, because CMP, etching, or planarization of resistance variable material 122 does not occur, oxidation of resistance variable material 122 is avoided. Preventing oxidation of resistance variable material 122 can be beneficial because resistance variable material 122 can be sensitive to oxygen, e.g., exposing resistance variable material 122 to oxygen can adversely affect resistance variable material 122.
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In the embodiment illustrated in
Forming cap 124 in situ and/or forming cap 124 such that cap 124 seals resistance variable material 122 can prevent oxidation of resistance variable material 122, e.g., can prevent resistance variable material 122 from being exposed to oxygen. Preventing oxidation of resistance variable material 122 can be beneficial, as previously described herein. Additionally, forming cap 124 in situ and/or forming cap 124 such that cap 124 seals resistance variable material 122 can reduce and/or eliminate diffusion pathways to and/or from resistance variable material 122.
The removed portions of cap 124 may or may not be removed in situ. However, if the removed portions of cap 124 are not removed in situ, resistance variable material 122 will not be exposed to oxygen, because resistance variable material 122 has been sealed by cap 124.
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Devices, methods, and systems for semiconductor processing are described herein. A number of method embodiments of semiconductor processing can include forming a silicon layer on a structure, forming an opening through the silicon layer and into the structure, and selectively forming a resistance variable material in the opening such that the resistance variable material does not form on the silicon layer.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an arrangement calculated to achieve the same results can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
Claims
1. A method of semiconductor processing, comprising:
- forming a silicon layer on a structure;
- forming an opening through the silicon layer and into the structure; and
- selectively forming a resistance variable material in the opening such that the resistance variable material does not form on the silicon layer.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes forming an oxygen barrier on the resistance variable material.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein forming the oxygen barrier includes sealing the resistance variable material in situ.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively forming the resistance variable material includes:
- reacting a germanium amidinate with NH3; and
- reacting Sb(OR)3 with NH3, wherein R is an alkyl.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively forming the resistance variable material includes:
- reacting a germanium amidinate with NH3; and
- reacting Te(OR)4 with NH3, wherein R is an alkyl.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively forming the resistance variable material includes:
- reacting Ge(NR2)4 with NH3; and
- reacting Sb(OR)3 with NH3;
- wherein R is an alkyl.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively forming the resistance variable material includes:
- reacting Ge(NR2)4 with NH3; and
- reacting Te(OR)4 with NH3;
- wherein R is an alkyl.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the opening has a width less than or equal to 35 nm.
9. A method of semiconductor processing, comprising:
- depositing a silicon layer on a structure;
- removing a portion of the silicon layer and a portion of the structure to form a cylindrical container therein; and
- selectively depositing a phase change material in the cylindrical container such that no phase change material is deposited on the silicon layer.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes forming a cap in situ on the phase change material such that oxidation of the phase change material is prevented.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cap is an electrode.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the phase change material is a Ge—Sb material.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the phase change material is a Ge—Te material.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical container has an aspect ratio greater than or equal to 2:1.
15. A method of semiconductor processing, comprising:
- forming a structure on a substrate, wherein the substrate includes an electrode;
- forming a silicon layer on the structure;
- forming an opening through the silicon layer and the structure, wherein: a surface of the electrode defines a bottom of the opening; a first surface of the structure and a first surface of the silicon layer define a first sidewall of the opening; and a second surface of the structure and a second surface of the silicon layer define a second sidewall of the opening; and
- selectively forming a resistance variable material in the opening such that the resistance variable material does not form on the silicon layer.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method includes:
- forming a cap in situ on the resistance variable material and silicon layer; and
- removing a portion of the cap that is on the silicon layer.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming the cap in situ includes forming the cap in a same chamber in which the selective formation of the resistance variable material occurs.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the method does not include removing any portion of the resistance variable material.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein selectively forming the resistance variable material includes selectively forming the resistance variable material such that the resistance variable material covers the bottom of the opening and the first and second surfaces of the structure but not the first and second surfaces of the silicon layer.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein selectively forming the resistance variable material includes selectively forming the resistance variable material such that the resistance variable material fills a portion of the opening formed by the bottom of the opening and the first and second surfaces of the structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 7, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 7, 2010
Patent Grant number: 8003521
Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. (Boise, ID)
Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh (Boise, ID), Timothy A. Quick (Boise, ID)
Application Number: 12/419,779
International Classification: H01L 21/20 (20060101);